Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
public health
Progress steady toward opening Ocracoke Island pharmacy
Christie Woolard is set to open and manage the island’s first — and what could be North Carolina’s most remote — pharmacy.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
Cooper appoints coastal residents to boards, commissions
Several of the appointments to boards and commissions Gov. Roy Cooper announced Monday reside on the coast.
Dare wins international award for ocean safety campaign
The “Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean” campaign is a multiorganizational effort to bring awareness to potentially life-threatening beach and ocean hazards.
‘Catastrophic crisis’: Imported shrimp flood US market
Shrimp imports are overwhelming domestic shrimp producers and driving prices for locally sourced shrimp to record lows, prompting demands that the federal government declare a fishery resource disaster.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Swim advisory posted at Beaufort County river access
The advisory is for the public access to Pamlico River at Havens Gardens Park off Park Drive in Washington.
Be ‘SepticSmart’ to protect health, environment
The state and EPA are bringing attention to the importance of septic system care during “SepticSmart Week” this week.
Precautionary swimming advisory lifted at most NC sites
State recreational water quality officials lifted Friday the precautionary advisory against swimming issued Aug. 31 due to Tropical Storm Idalia in all coastal waters.
Dare County releases water illness educational video
Dare County Department of Health and Human Services has a released a video advising the public how to reduce the risk of contracting recreational water-related illnesses after several cases of Vibrio infections have been confirmed along the East Coast.
Petition seeks industrial discharge prevention mandate
The Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf Cape Fear River Watch, MountainTrue, and Yadkin Riverkeeper has petitioned the N.C. Environmental Management Commission to rule that the state must force industries to install technologies that stop pollution at the source.
Scientist urges more Vibrio awareness as risk moves north
Recent data finds that warming coastal waters from climate change impacts have resulted in Vibrio wound infections spreading north along the East Coast, and those with health issues are urged to immediately seek medical attention if exposed.
State urges caution after 3 Vibrio-related deaths
During this period when North Carolina saltwater and brackish waters remain warm, state health officials advise that those with wounds could be exposed to Vibrio, which can lead to illness.
State lifts swimming advisories at two Morehead City sites
Testing shows bacteria levels had dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.
Saltwater fish may be in future Cape Fear health advisories
Results of saltwater fish tissue currently being analyzed for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, are expected later this year, wrapping up a study of multiple species of fish collected from the Cape Fear River.
